Posted by Dave Thewlis on October 25, 2003 at 16:01:08 from 148.78.245.12 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Broads Tragedies; was Re: Dangers to children posted by John Nichols on October 24, 2003 at 19:38:34:
Yes, but it's hard for parents to let their kids be exposed to any potential dangers (except perhaps school).
In general, at least in the U.S., we seem to enact safety laws, regulations, controls, etc. based on a potential for hazard regardless of the probability. Part of this is that people react more strongly to first- or second-hand experiences (regardless of how rare) than they do to an actual analysis of frequency. (Which explains the standard formulation of news stories, to give the viewer or reader "something to relate to.") Add the tendency of folks to try and figure out who (else) is "responsible" whenever anything happens to them -- and then to sue them. All of which adds to a culture which is risk-adverse, and institutions which tend to legislate apparent remedies for reasons other than likelihood.